1999-03-17 - Plan Commission - Minutes PUBLIC HEARING
BUFFALO GROVE PLAN COMMISSION
March 17, 1999
1110 Larraway Drive-Special Use for a Child Day Care
Home in the R-5 District
Chairman Goldspiel called the hearing to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Village Council Chambers,
Buffalo Grove Municipal Building, 50 Raupp Boulevard,Buffalo Grove, Illinois. Chairman
Goldspiel read the Notice of Public Hearing as published in the Buffalo Grove Daily Herald,
explained the procedure to be followed for the public hearing, and swore in all persons who
wished to give testimony.
Commissioners present: Chairman Goldspiel
Mr. Samuels
Mr. Berman
Mr. Trilling
Mr. Viehman
Commissioners absent: Mr. Krug
Ms. Howard
Mr. Ottenheimer
Mr. Moons
Also present: Ms. Svetlana Lanskikh
Mr. Dennis Lanskikh
Mr. Brian Rubin, Village Trustee
Mr. William Raysa, Village Attorney
Mr. Robert Pfeil, Village Planner
Mr. Dennis Lanskikh stated they are applying for a special use to operate a child day care home.
In response to the necessary criteria for a special use he stated this day care is a large priority in
the community. They will provide excellent child care for the parents in the community. He
noted the home is fully equipped for safe care of the children. He further stated the inspectors
from the DCFS and the Village found the home suitable for child care.
Mr. Lanskikh stated drop off times for the children is between 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and pick up is
between 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. There are 8 children being picked up. The parents do not stay in the
driveway for more than five minutes. If some parents do park on the street, they do not create
any traffic complications. He noted the neighbors are not affected as the children are quiet and
are always supervised. Most of the children are Buffalo Grove residents.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Public Hearing-March 17, 1999-Page 1
Mr. Lanskikh further noted they are licensed by DCFS and have passed the Village inspection.
He stated they have adequate parking on the driveway and do not cause any traffic congestion.
He stated they have a fenced yard for the children to play in and the children do not create a great
deal of noise.
Commissioner Samuels asked how many children will be cared for.
Mr. Lanskikh stated they propose to have 8 children as permitted by the Village.
Commissioner Samuels asked if there will be any employees and if these employees do not live
in the home.
Mr. Lanskikh stated they will have two employees who are parked on the driveway.
Commissioner Samuels asked if four cars will fit on the driveway without blocking the sidewalk.
Mr. Lanskikh stated yes.
Commissioner Samuels asked if there is still room for parents to drop off children.
Mr. Lanskikh stated the employees leave at 1:00 p.m. and the children are not picked up until
5:00 or 6:00 p.m. so there is no parking problem.
Commissioner Samuels asked if the petitioner has already started operating as a day care center.
Mr. Lanskikh stated they have been operating for about one month.
Commissioner Samuels asked what time the employees arrive.
Mr. Lanskikh stated they arrive about 8:30 a.m.
Commissioner Samuels asked what time the last child arrives.
Ms. Lanskikh stated almost all the children are there by 8:30 a.m. before the employees arrive.
Commissioner Samuels asked how old the children are.
Ms. Lanskikh stated they are from 1 'V2 years of age to 4 years of age.
Commissioner Samuels asked if there are now 8 children being cared for in the home.
Ms. Lanskikh stated yes.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Public Hearing-March 17, 1999-Page 2
Commissioner Samuels asked if the children have been outside as yet.
Ms. Lanskikh stated yes.
Commissioner Samuels asked if there have been any problems with the neighbors.
Ms. Lanskikh stated they had been notified by Mr. Sheehan that some neighbors had complained
that the parents were parking in such a manner as to block their driveways. However,this was
after having lived in the house for only two weeks. She stated they had left their own cars in the
driveway as the garage was full of moving cartons. This has now been put away and cleaned up
and their cars are now in the garage and the parents no longer have parking problems. She
further noted her father's car does park on the street, but the two employees park in the driveway.
Commissioner Samuels asked if there have been any conversations directly with the neighbors.
Ms. Lanskikh stated they have not had a chance to talk to the neighbors as yet as they only
moved into the house in January.
Commissioner Samuels asked if the petitioner had provided day care in her former home in
Buffalo Grove.
Ms. Lanskikh stated yes.
Commissioner Samuels asked where the former home was located.
Ms. Lanskikh stated she lived at 554 Lyon Drive and had a DCFS license. She stated she
worked part time and as her day care grew she began to look for a bigger house.
Commissioner Samuels asked what time Mr. Lanskikh leaves the house daily.
Mr. Lanskikh stated he leaves 10.00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. daily as he is a full time student.
Commissioner Berman asked if Ms. Lanskikh operated a day care previously in a home in
Buffalo Grove.
Ms. Lanskikh stated she did not operate a day care in her previous home for the entire two years
she lived there. She had just basically started her business with 3-4 children a year ago and it
began to grow.
Commissioner Berman asked if Ms. Lanskikh had a special use permit from the Village at her
old home.
Ms. Lanskikh stated no.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Public Hearing-March 17, 1999-Page 3
Mr. Lanskikh stated they did not know about a special use.
Ms. Lanskikh stated they thought the state license was sufficient .
Commissioner Berman asked if there were any employees helping Ms. Lanskikh at the previous
home.
Ms. Lanskikh stated her parents helped out there.
Commissioner Berman asked if there were any problems with the neighbors in the previous
home.
Ms. Lanskikh and Mr. Lanskikh both stated there were no problems at the previous home even
though there was even less parking space available.
Commissioner Berman asked if there have been 8 children cared for since moving into this new
residence.
Ms. Lanskikh stated yes.
Commissioner Berman asked where the children play.
Ms. Lanskikh stated the children play in the fenced back yard.
Commissioner Berman asked if there is any play equipment in the yard.
Ms. Lanskikh stated there are swings and slides and various toys.
Commissioner Berman asked who supervises the children before the employees come in the
morning.
Ms. Lanskikh stated she does. She noted there are really never 8 children there all at once in the
morning before the employees get there as the children arrive staggered.
Commissioner Berman asked who helps out with the children from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 or 6:00
p.m.
Ms. Lanskikh stated her father helps her out as well as her 14 year old daughter.
Commissioner Trilling asked once again for an explanation of the adults who supervise the
children.
Ms. Lanskikh stated there are two outside employees who come up to 1:00 p.m. After that there
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Public Hearing-March 17, 1999-Page 4
is her daughter who comes from school at 3:00 p.m., her father and her son and, of course,
herself. In the mornings it is herself and her father as well as two outside adult helpers who care
for the children.
Commissioner Trilling asked why the petitioner moved from the duplex to the present home.
Mr. Lanskikh stated this home is bigger which they needed as the children sleep and play in
separate rooms.
Commissioner Trilling asked if there had been any complaints in the previous home about the
day care.
Ms. Lanskikh stated no.
Commissioner Trilling asked if there were ever more than 3-4 kids in the previous home.
Ms. Lanskikh stated yes.
Commissioner Trilling asked how many kids were cared for in the previous home at any given
time.
Ms. Lanskikh noted it varied from 3-4 up to 8.
Commissioner Trilling reiterated that Ms. Lanskikh had taken care of as many as 8 children in
the previous home for about 1 year.
Ms. Lanskikh stated yes.
Commissioner Viehman asked what the traffic like on the street as the children are arriving, if
the parents escort the children into the house and how long the process takes.
Mr. Lanskikh stated drop off is from 7 to 8:30 a.m. and usually does not take more than 5
minutes to drop off the child and escort the child into the home.
Commissioner Viehman asked if during this time the parents park in the driveway or the street.
Mr. Lanskikh stated they park in the driveway.
Commissioner Viehman asked if the two helpers have as yet arrived and have parked in the
driveway or not.
Mr. Lanskikh noted the helpers have not yet arrived and the parents park only in the driveway.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Public Hearing-March 17, 1999-Page 5
Commissioner Viehman asked how many parents might arrive at the same time.
Ms. Lanskikh noted only about 2 or 3 parents arrive at the same time, although there may be a
rare instance where 4 parents may arrive at the same time.
Commissioner Viehman asked if there have been any traffic problems as a result of this schedule.
Ms. Lanskikh stated there have been no traffic problems.
Commissioner Viehman asked if the evening pickup time has the same situation.
Mr. Lanskikh stated yes.
Chairman Goldspiel noted that according to the plat of the driveway, same is approximately 25
feet long and questioned if four cars can really fit on the driveway without blocking the sidewalk.
Ms. Lanskikh stated the sidewalk is never blocked.
Donna Stolar, 1114 Larraway Drive, stated she would like to present a petition signed by 46
homeowners in the Suffield Place subdivision which shows the overwhelming negative response
to the continued operation of a child day care home at the subject property. The petition is
requesting that the commission does not grant a special use permit.
Chairman Goldspiel asked for a reading of the language in the petition.
Ms. Stolar read as follows:
"We the undersigned residents of the Suffield Place subdivision, Buffalo Grove,
Illinois, by and through this petition do hereby oppose the application for a special
use permit filed by Svetlana Lanskikh for the purposes of operating a child day
care home in the single family residence at 1110 Larraway Drive located in the R-
5 one family dwelling district."
Ms. Stolar noted the applicant has failed to notify the commission that Green Lake adjoins the
property which is a safety concern.
Chairman Goldspiel noted the commission does have a map of the subdivision which shows the
lake.
Ms. Stolar stated the first issue the homeowners are concerned with is traffic congestion and
noise. The traffic issues presents a safety concern for the residents and the interference with the
use and enjoyment of their own properties. She noted that since the operation of the child care
home began there has been a substantial increase in the vehicular traffic, particularly in the
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Public Hearing-March 17, 1999-Page 6
mornings and early evenings when the children are arriving and departing the premises. The
homeowners feel this is an inappropriate site for a day care home. She stated there is not enough
road frontage to provide a safe zone for both the children in the neighborhood and the children at
the day care home. She stated it has become a parking lot atmosphere in and around the subject
property due to the congestion. She further noted she has witnessed 7-8 vehicles at the property
at one time instead of the 3-4 vehicles stated by the applicant. Beginning at 7:00 a.m.there is
one vehicle parked continuously at 1112 Larraway Drive. Another vehicle then arrives and is in
the driveway. Parents then come and drop off their children in the mornings and evenings when
there are always four vehicles parked in the driveway. Two of those vehicles are always
obstructing the sidewalk. At times one or two of those vehicles are left running in the driveway.
This is a safety concern for the neighborhood. Also there are at least one or two vehicles parked
in front of 1109 LarrawayDrive. vehicle
on e. She noted she observed a near collision between a e
backing out of the subject property driveway and a vehicle parked in front of 1109 Larraway
Drive.
Ms. Stolar stated Larraway Drive is a narrow curved street and when there are vehicles parked on
both sides of the street, as they are regarding this property, it is impossible for a single vehicle to
travel one way on Larraway Drive and another vehicle to come the other way on Larraway Drive.
She further stated she has observed parents pulling in and out of the driveways of adjacent
residences.
Ms. Stolar stated the average arrival time is between 7-10 minutes and not 5 minutes as
represented by the petitioner. In addition there are four new young drivers on Larraway Drive
who will be impacted bythis congestion. In addition there is a large crabapple tree which will be
p g g PP
an obstruction to the vehicles backing out of the driveway. Also summer is coming and many
children are riding their bicycles,rollerblading and parents are walking with strollers. These
people will be forced to walk on the street.
Ms. Stolar further stated this commercial enterprise will detract from the residential character of
the neighborhood. There is a concern for the devaluation of the property. Impact studies show
that property devalues between 15-25 percent on a street with a major commercial enterprise.
She further noted DCFS has informed her that within the next year the applicant intends to seek a
group day care home license which will afford her the opportunity for more than 12 children.
Although the Village can cap that number, the petitioner has a history of non-compliance.
Therefore, in the absence of continued monitoring, she will expand her operation to more than 8
children. The health officer has already asked the petitioner to remove any more than eight beds
from the home. In addition, a neighbor has counted 10 children walking in single file down
Larraway Drive.
Ms. Stolar stated there are other day care alternatives in the area so that these parents do not need
to be displaced. The greatest concern for the children, however, occurs due to the proximity of
Green Lake. There are also a large number of geese who flock to this particular yard and leave a
great deal of droppings which are a health concern for these children.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Public Hearing-March 17, 1999-Page 7
Ms. Stolar read two letters into the record from residents unable to attend the meeting,noting
their disapproval of the day care home and any special use for same.
John Aseltine, 1113 Larraway Drive, stated he has lived at this address for 15 years and he has
noted a definite increase in curb traffic. Due to the curve of Larraway Drive, any parked cars on
the sides creates line of site problems. He noted his concern for this three teenage drivers who
will be using the streets this summer. He further noted other close by child day care centers and
questions the need for this kind of child day care home.
Commissioner Goldspiel noted that home day care provides a different kind of atmosphere and
fills a need for children that is different from that of larger commercial facilities. He noted there
have been day care homes operating for several years under the ordinance. As this is something
that comes back to the commission every two years,there is an ongoing watchfulness as to
whether the subject properties are operating properly or not. This is something that does occur
throughout the Village and the commission has had very little problem on the renewals of the
existing properties. He further noted the point of a special use is to see if competing interests can
be accommodated in a reasonable manner.
Joyce Scher, 1109 Larraway Drive,reiterated the increased traffic and parking problems. She
noted they did not buy property in a residential district to live across the street from a
commercial enterprise. She noted she has counted as many as 10 children standing in front of the
home. As more traffic arrives there is increased danger to the children who have so far enjoyed
bicycling and rollerblading up and down the street. In addition,this property is highly accessible
to the geese around the lake who carry salmonella and other type of bacteria. This property has
many fruit bearing trees and the geese flock here. The approval of this special use will be
detrimental to the quality of life for the other residents and dangerous to the children she serves
as well as to the other children in the neighborhood.
Rich Orlov, 1200 Lockwood Drive, stated he is concerned with his enjoyment and use of the
sidewalks in the area which will now be limited by cars blocking the sidewalk. He also noted
concern with the use of this property as a commercial property which will cause property values
to diminish.
Sarah Murphy, 1116 Larraway Drive,read a neighbor's letter into the record noting disapproval
of the proposed day care home. She stated she feels that a business enterprise is not a welcome
addition to the neighborhood. As soon as this day care operation began, she noticed immediately
the large number of cars at this house in the driveway and in the street. The house is located on
the curve and parked cars narrow the street substantially. She further noted it has been her
personal observation that cars stay more than five minutes when dropping off or picking up
children.
Charles Coburn, 1146 Lockwood Ct. W., stated he is concerned with the lake in the back of the
house as well as the cars blocking the sidewalk. He further noted the narrowness of the street
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Public Hearing-March 17, 1999-Page 8
creates many problems and the addition of this kind of traffic only increases the safety issues.
Mark Fitzsimmons, 1111 Larraway Drive, stated that there is a discrepancy between the pickup
times and drop off times as noted and there are people parked on the street. He reiterated that
there has been a substantial increase of traffic and commotion on the street and it is of great
concern to him.
Carla Gohde, 1118 Larraway Drive, reiterated her child will now have to be watched whenever
they are out riding or playing due to the increased traffic instead of being free to enjoy the
neighborhood.
Biju Nair, 699 Pinehurst Lane, stated his daughter attends this day care because she would not go
to a regular school type of day care which they had tried. It is therefore extremely important for
him that there is a home day care facility available. He stated that as soon as the parking and
traffic issue was brought to the attention of the petitioner,the petitioner immediately informed all
the parents to park in the driveway. She is a very responsible person and tries hard to address
safety issues. He further noted that the cars purported to be parked on the street were there
because the first two weeks of the move, the garage was full of boxes which meant their own cars
were parked in the driveway. Once the garage was cleared,their own cars were moved into the
garage and all parents were instructed to park in the driveway.
Elena Kotlyar, 915 Burgess Circle, stated she also does not want to leave her child in a
commercial day care center. In addition, she noted commercial day cares are very expensive and
very often are full. The petitioner takes very good care of the children and all of the parents
would be more than willing to work out some sort of car pooling or pickup and drop off
arrangement to ease the traffic situation.
Anna Ainbinder, 940 Inverrary Lane, Deerfield, stated she looked long and hard at various day
care providers before choosing this one. She stated the petitioner is a very organized and caring
person. Also, the petitioner was a medical care worker in Russia which brings a measure of
security to parents. She further noted the parents are willing to do whatever is necessary in order
to keep this day care going and preserve relations between all the neighbors.
Anna Risman,401 Woodbury Road, stated she is very happy with the petitioner's care and
particularly likes the fact that the children spend a good deal of time outdoors. She also noted
that she would be happy to comply with any of the neighbors' complaints.
Linda Aseltine of 1113 Larraway, stated she has observed as many as 10 children at the day care
home.
Ms. Lanskikh stated that she also gives music lessons twice a week. One child who was coming
has now stopped coming to her home and attends the JCC and another child was only coming
along for the music lesson for one hour.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Public Hearing-March 17, 1999-Page 9
Mr. Lanskikh stated that they were aware of the need for a fence but were prevented from
installing one when they moved in as it was winter time. Also,he stated he felt it was rather
interesting that suddenly everyone on the block has a need to either leave their home or arrive
home within the same hour.
Commissioner Samuels asked if the petitioner was aware that they would only be allowed 8
children in the day care home despite the DCFS license permitting up to 12 children.
Ms. Lanskikh stated two of the children come only for 30 minute music lessons twice a week.
Commissioner Trilling noted that the petitioner would be making it even more difficult for
herself by asking for more than 8 children.
Commissioner Berman asked how large the home is.
Ms. Lanskikh stated the home has four bedrooms,a living and dining room, den and kitchen.
Commissioner Samuels asked if there were any suggestions from the other homeowners that
might help alleviate some of their complaints.
Ms. Stolar stated she would not want this day care home under any circumstances as she sees
same changing the character of the neighborhood.
Sarah Murphy commented that even if drop-offs and pick-ups are staggered,there would still be
a lot of additional traffic in the neighborhood that would affect the residents.
Roberta Siegel, 1100 Lockwood Drive, also stated this activity would substantially change the
character of the neighborhood.
Mr. John Borzych, 408 Lamont Terrace, stated his kids often have trouble using the park
equipment which is always being used by children from this day care home.
Annie Osnis noted that the petitioner did advise parents of the various complaints and the need to
park on their driveway only. In addition she also noted that all the parents are more than willing
to car pool or anything else that can be done to satisfy the neighbors' complaints.
Gene Bobrov, 308 Vintage Lane, stated they have used this day care for about one year and the
children have always been well supervised. He noted everything is kept very clean and orderly.
Commissioner Trilling asked if there was any number of children acceptable to the residents.
There was a showing of a willingness to accept 3-4 children.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Public Hearing-March 17, 1999-Page 10
Mr. Lanskikh noted they would not be able to earn a living with only 3-4 children and would not
be able to run the day care home.
There being no further comments or questions from anyone else present, Chairman Goldspiel
closed the public hearing at 9:50 p.m.
Resp ly submitte
Fay ubin,R cor g Secretary
APP OVED:
ST P N GOLDSPIEL, hairman
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Public Hearing-March 17, 1999-Page 11
REGULAR MEETING
BUFFALO GROVE PLAN COMMISSION
March 17, 1999
1110 Larraway Drive-Special Use for a Child Day Care Home
in the R-5 District
Aisle 3, 1010 Lake Cook Road (Computer Discount Warehouse building),
Special Use concerning retail sales in the Industrial District-Workshop#1
Village Zoning Map-Annual Review
Chairman Goldspiel called the meeting to order at 10:00 p.m. in the Village Council Chambers,
Buffalo Grove Municipal Building, 50 Raupp Boulevard, Buffalo Grove, Illinois.
Commissioners present: Chairman Goldspiel
Mr. Samuels
Mr. Berman
Mr. Trilling
Mr. Viehman
Commissioners absent: Mr. Krug
Ms. Howard
Mr. Ottenheimer
Mr. Moons
Also Present: Ms. Svetlana Lanskikh
Mr. Dennis Lanskikh
Mr. William Raysa, Village Attorney
Mr. Brian Rubin,Village Trustee
Mr. Robert Pfeil, Village Planner
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by Commissioner Viehman, seconded by Commissioner Samuels to approve the minutes
of the regular meeting of February 3, 1999. Chairman Goldspiel noted a grammatical error on
page 5. All Commissioners were in favor of the motion as amended and the motion passed
unanimously.
Moved by Commissioner Samuels, seconded by Commissioner Trilling to approve the minutes
of the regular meeting of February 17, 1999. Commissioner Viehman stated that some mention
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-March 17, 1999-Page 1
of the fact that a public hearing was suggested as the next step be added to page 7. Also page 19
should indicate that a second workshop was suggested. Commissioner Berman stated page 7
should indicate that he did not believe there was any indication of a conflict of interest for him
but thought he should make the disclosure
COMMITTEE AND LIAISON REPORTS
`./ Commissioner Samuels attended the Village Board meeting on March 15, 1999 and stated the
following items were discussed:
1. Pre-application conference for construction of a U-Store-It facility east of the
Wisconsin Central Railroad tracks. Discussion as to whether this should be in the
Industrial District which would require a 50 foot setback or in the B-4 District which has
a 25 foot setback.
2. Referral to the Plan Commission of the expansion of the Northwest Community
Health Care facility at Weiland and Lake Cook Road. The main issue will be
parking. A portion of right-of-way will be dedicated to the Village of Wheeling
on the southernmost end of the property to accommodate possible future
alignment of Weiland with Buffalo Grove Road
1110 LARRAWAY DRIVE - SPECIAL USE FOR A CHILD DAY CARE HOME IN THE R-5
DISTRICT
Moved by Commissioner Samuels, seconded by Commissioner Viehman to recommend approval
to the Village Board of the petition for approval of a Special Use to operate a Child Day Care
Home with a maximum of eight children in a single-family residence in the R-5 One-Family
Dwelling District.
Chairman Goldspiel asked if the ordinance allows for two extra music students at this home.
Mr. Raysa stated the ordinance allows only eight children under age 14 on the premises and
therefore the music students would be over the number of children allowed. He noted that the
special use standards for child day care homes are tied to impacts such as traffic, and any
children coming to the premises would be part of the overall impact.
Commissioner Samuels asked how licensed homes are policed for compliance.
Mr. Pfeil stated there are regular inspections as well as a renewal process that all licensed homes
must go through. In addition, all complaints are immediately checked out.
Commissioner Samuels stated that the petitioner is very sincere,however, he also understands
the neighbors' concerns and positions. He noted that the crux of the matter is regarding the
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-March 17, 1999-Page 2
traffic. He noted his concern with the fact that the petitioner obviously bought the home for
commercial purposes and it is therefore his inclination not to support the motion. He commented
that the special use procedure for child day care was intended for stay-at-home parents
conducting the day care as an accessory use to the primary residential use of a property. He said
that home day care was never intended by the Village to become a commercial operation in
residential districts. He noted that he might support the motion if there were fewer children in the
home, but he cannot support a special use for eight children at this property based on the facts
presented at the hearing.
Commissioner Viehman stated that he understands the developmental needs of children, and the
current petitioner's quality of care has been favorably attested to by the parents of the children
she supervises. He noted, however,that the neighborhood has problems relating to traffic. He
concurred with Commissioner Samuels that the intent of the Village's special use for child day
care in single-family homes was intended to be an accessory use,not a commercial operation.
Commissioner Berman noted that he understands the difference between home day care and
commercial day care and noted that the petitioner appears to be very sincere. He also stated he
does not object to home day care within appropriate limits. However,this situation seems to be
more than the site can accommodate without creating impacts on the neighborhood. He noted
that the adjacent residents' objections are unusually strong,which makes it clear there is a
problem here.
Chairman Goldspiel stated he feels that this is a perfect location for home day care due to the fact
that this street leads to a major street without actually sitting on a major thoroughfare. He also
said the limited number of houses adjacent to the property makes it conducive for children and
the street is of a standard residential width. Therefore, every criteria for a child day care home
has been met. He further noted that a previous home day care which was rejected had been
turned down because there were actual dangers to the community which this home does not have.
He pointed out that a child day care special use is given a two-year approval, and the operation
can be evaluated in terms of impact before reauthorizing the special use. He also commented that
reducing the number of children at this location is not appropriate as that would only mean that
the number of additional employees helping to care for the children would also be reduced.
Commissioner Berman pointed out that this home is adjacent to a large lake and the adjacent area
is not just a few houses on a street but a full fledged neighborhood. The driveway is inadequate
to provide adequate off-street parking and does not meet the special use standard for parking. He
stated the intensity of the use is too much in this particular neighborhood.
Commissioner Trilling stated he concurs that the driveway can only hold two cars and the major
problem here is the traffic. He suggested that staggered hours of drop-off and pick-up of the
children could possibly address some of the traffic impact issues that have been raised. He
commented that a limit concerning the number of vehicles that can use the facility appears to be
needed to control traffic impacts.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-March 17, 1999-Page 3
Commissioner Samuels asked if it would be better to make the motion subject to no more than
six children as well as policing the outside to ensure there is no parking problem. He further
suggested that parking on the street all day be allowed for one car only. He suggested that the
motion could be further refined to require outdoor supervision of drop-off and pick-up traffic and
to limit the time for each vehicle to be at the premises to ten minutes. In addition, vehicles would
not be allowed to block the sidewalk, and additional use of the property for activities such as
music lessons would not be permitted. He noted that the intent of the conditions is to make the
child day care home as unobtrusive as possible for the neighborhood.
Chairman Goldspiel suggested that a vote be taken on the original motion allowing eight children
before a vote on the second motion limiting the use to six children with conditions.
Chairman Goldspiel called for a vote on the motion to allow eight children;the vote was as
follows:
AYES: Goldspiel
NAYES: Samuels, Berman, Trilling, Viehman
ABSENT: Krug, Howard, Ottenheimer, Moons
ABSTAIN: None
The motion failed 4 to 1.
Moved by Commissioner Samuels, seconded by Commissioner Berman to recommend to the
Village Board approval of the petition for approval of a Special Use to operate a Child Day Care
Home in a single-family residence in the R-5 One-Family Dwelling District, subject to:
1. A maximum of six children
2. A maximum of two cars parked in the driveway at one time
3. A maximum of one car parked on the street in front of the property
Mr. Raysa pointed out that limit of six children would apply to all children under age 14
on the premises including music students and persons residing at the property.
Commissioner Trilling inquired if the petitioner would be able to operate the facility with a limit
of six children.
Ms. Lanskikh replied that she would not be financially able to operate with only six children.
Commissioner Berman suggested that if the approval is limited to six children, it would give Ms.
Lanskikh an opportunity to show that the day care home can be managed with minimal impacts
on the neighborhood. She could eventually request an approval allowing eight children if
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-March 17, 1999-Page 4
operation with six children was determined to be acceptable by the Plan Commission and Village
Board based on pertinent facts.
Chairman Goldspiel said that he does not see a reduction of two vehicles from eight to six as a
significant change in the operation of the facility or impact on the neighborhood.
Commissioner Samuels noted that it would be a reduction of 25 percent, which would be
significant for the neighborhood.
Commissioner Berman suggested that the motion concerning approval for six children be tabled
to allow time for the petitioner to evaluate her situation and give her an opportunity to discuss
ways to reduce impacts with her neighbors.
Commissioner Viehman agreed that it would be a good idea to table the motion in order to give
the petitioner and the neighbors a chance to get together and see what solutions may be possible
to address impacts.
Commissioner Berman made a motion to table the motion recommending a limit of six children
and with the operational conditions as set forth in the motion.
Chairman Goldspiel called for a vote to table the motion for approval of six children; the vote
was as follows:
AYES: Samuels, Berman, Viehman
NAYES: Goldspiel, Trilling
ABSENT: Krug, Howard, Ottenheimer, Moons
ABSTAIN: None
The motion passed 3 to 2 and the matter was tabled until the next meeting on April 7, 1999.
AISLE 3, 1010 LAKE COOK ROAD (COMPUTER DISCOUNT WAREHOUSE BUILDING).,
SPECIAL USE CONCERNING RETAIL SALES IN THE INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT--
WORKSHOP #1
Mr. Schwartz stated Aisle 3 is a related entity to the Fallen's Basement Corporation. He stated
their petition is to modify the former CDW building and the adjoining parcel to the north for use
as a warehouse/retail outlet. They are seeking a Special Use in the Industrial District. A Special
Use had already been granted to CDW to allow for retail within the site, but the special use
ordinance only permits 1,000 square feet. This building is 101,400 square feet. CDW is going to
continue to occupy the building as office space to the extent of 26,900 square feet for another
four years. Aisle 3 is seeking to utilize 75,500 square feet of the building for an Aisle 3 retail
store.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-March 17, 1999-Page 5
Mr. Schwartz stated the agreement that has been reached with the property owner, Hamilton
Partners Industrial, is to sub-lease from them for the balance of their term the building and the
vacant parcel to the north which has been utilized by CDW for parking. In addition, Aisle 3 is
contracting, via lease, with Hamilton Partners,the direct landowner, for two five year options
thereafter. This is a long term relationship that is being developed. He stated they are here
tonight seeking the Commission's recommendation and review of the Special Use request to
convert this industrial site into a retail site.
L
Mr. Ingram stated Aisle 3 is a large format soft lines apparel store in the range of 70,000 to
80,000 square feet. It operates weekends only, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It is operated this
way for several reasons. First, that is the time most people like to shop. Monday, Tuesday,
Wednesday and Thursday it becomes a warehouse receiving station. They will usually receive
one truck per day and sometimes two per day. The merchandise is then readied for the store on
Friday morning. This is very compatible with industrial type positions because Saturday and
Sunday traffic is almost nonexistent in industrial parks. There is an overlap of traffic on Friday
but what saves the Friday traffic is the fact that between 4:00-7:00 p.m. is not prime shopping
hours.
Mr. Ingram stated the Aisle 3 store is estimated to a minimum of twenty million dollars.
Because of the volume, it buys its merchandise at the same time as the department stores do. He
noted there are four such stores open to date in the Chicagoland area.
Mr. Ingram stated they do not intend to use all the truck docks and have therefore added a row of
parking. He stated they intend to keep the industrial nature of the building intact.
Mr. Schwartz stated this is not off brand merchandise or seconds. This is first quality
merchandise but at a more competitive price.
Commissioner Samuels asked what the parking requirements are now for CDW.
Mr. Schwartz stated they currently have 90 spaces. These 90 spaces will go away when they are
finished using the property.
Commissioner Samuels asked how many employees there will be.
Mr. Ingram stated there will be approximately 20 full time employees and over a 12 hour day
they will have about 40 part time employees
Commissioner Samuels asked about employees on warehouse days.
Mr. Ingram stated there would be about 10-12 employees.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-March 17, 1999-Page 6
Commissioner Samuels asked what Mr. Ingram's experience is with parking at the stores that are
already open.
Mr. Ingram stated the store pictured which is 73,000 square feet has 325 parking spaces to
which they added an additional 35 employee parking spaces during the grand opening.
Commissioner Samuels asked if the lease will include all of the parking spaces as described for
the full term of the lease.
Mr. Ingram stated that for the first 4 %z years it will include all the spaces. At the time CDW
leaves, it may not include their 90 spaces.
Commissioner Samuels asked what the hours of operation are.
Mr. Ingram stated the store is open about 35 hours a week on the weekends. They are usually
open 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Commissioner Samuels asked if any additional improvements are needed to the parking such as
lighting or anything else.
Mr. Ingram stated no. He noted they may need some restriping.
Commissioner Samuels asked if Aisle 3 will also have offices in the building either now or in the
future.
Mr. Ingram stated all offices will be on the first floor.
Commissioner Samuels asked if the acquisition of the CDW offices would be used as additional
floor space.
Mr. Ingram stated they will not use the area at all.
Commissioner Samuels asked if they would sublet that area.
Mr. Ingram stated they have not thought that far ahead but they might want to sublet in which
case they would need the 90 parking spaces.
Commissioner Samuels asked for an explanation of the 150 space lot.
Mr. Ingram stated that lot is theirs as long as CDW is there or as long as they continue to lease it
from Hamilton Partners. He noted that it happens to coincide with space that CDW once leased.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-March 17, 1999-Page 7
Commissioner Samuels stated he is concerned that Aisle 3 will be able to retain it if they were to
sublet out the CDW space.
Mr. Ingram stated he would be happy to accept that as a condition. He further stated that
Hamilton Partners has advised him that there is enough space here that they do not plan on doing
anything else here in the immediate future.
Commissioner Samuels asked if hours are significantly altered during the season from
Thanksgiving to Christmas.
Mr. Ingram stated they do stay open during the weeks between Thanksgiving and the third week
in December seven days per week.
Commissioner Trilling asked about the viability of the store based on the dressing down of
America especially in men's apparel.
Mr. Ingram stated suits are a major portion of the store but they also carry slacks and sports
jackets. However, there is still a sizable suit business and they attempt to keep their prices where
people are still interested in coming..
Chairman Goldspiel asked if the 150 parking spaces are attributed to anyone else's project.
Mr. Ingram stated not to his knowledge.
Mr. Schwartz stated those spaces were attributed to CDW and were used by them at one time.
Chairman Goldspiel asked if a tractor trailer will be able to maneuver through the parking lot and
get to the truck docks.
Mr. Ingram stated everything already exists and they have all managed to make it in to a large
number of docks. He stated they have only ceased using most of the docks.
Chairman Goldspiel asked if Aisle 3 will fill in the ramps.
Mr. Ingram stated no because someday if they leave, they may get someone who would want
them.
Chairman Goldspiel asked if they anticipate many UPS/Federal Express type of usage.
Mr. Ingram stated the current delivery rate on that is one a day.
Chairman Goldspiel asked why Aisle 3 feels positioning itself in this industrial park will afford
them to offer merchandise at discount prices.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-March 17, 1999-Page 8
Mr. Ingram stated that obviously they will pay substantially less in rent in this place than in a
conventional shopping center. The occupancy cost here allows them to convert the money they
may have spent for rent into advertising or additional merchandise or better bargains.
Chairman Goldspiel asked why the cost will be less in building such as this than in a
conventional shopping center if it is the same amount of square feet.
Mr. Ingram stated the cost to lease this building is one third of the cost to lease in Schaumburg in
a conventional space. This is due to the fact that it is warehouse space.
Chairman Goldspiel stated that one of the biggest concerns is how to work the access here off of
Lake Cook Road when Hastings does not have traffic lights. He asked how the shoppers will get
in safely at this juncture.
Mr. Ingram stated westbound traffic will come off the slip ramp and exit in the same manner.
Coming in the opposite direction there are two options. One is the signalized intersection which
brings you in Armstrong and secondly at each and every one of their stores they use uniformed
town police details for traffic direction.
Chairman Goldspiel asked how the people will know to navigate from the circuitous route from
Lexington.
Mr. Ingram stated they use signs and the police officers to direct them.
Commissioner Samuels stated it is only the left turn bay onto eastbound Lake Cook which is the
difficult maneuver. If they have a police officer directing eastbound traffic to exit through the
Armstrong circuit, it will not be a problem at all.
Chairman Goldspiel asked how they will keep people from going up Armstrong.
Mr. Schwartz stated his best answer is signage and if signage does not work, then if someone
directing traffic is required, then that is what will be done.
Mr. Pfeil stated there is a plan to make it more restrictive than it is now, so movements to
westbound Armstrong from Lexington would basically be prohibited. He stated he will get
further verification.
Chairman Goldspiel commented that he is concerned with short-term sales in industrial areas,
and the zoning text amendment should be structured to encourage retail sales,not short-term
events.
Mr. Schwartz said that the text amendment should be specific in nature so that it is not going to
be abused elsewhere in the community because you are not looking to change all of your
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-March 17, 1999-Page 9
industrial to retail. It can be drafted in such a fashion so that it is limited to this area.
Chairman Goldspiel asked if there will be a lot of other people following this precedent and
looking for cheaper places to rent in industrial parks.
Mr. Schwartz stated the idea of rents being cheaper in industrial sites rather than retail sites is not
a novel idea.
Li
Commissioner Samuels noted that what is unique here is that this site faces Lake Cook Road.
Mr. Schwartz stated that is exactly the point. Without being situated on Lake Cook Road and
without the signage as it is now they would not be interested.
Mr. Schwartz stated there are certain ways to draft the amendment so that it resolves the issue.
Commissioner Viehman asked if this item could be dealt with as a special use so that the criteria
could be established along the lines discussed here.
Mr. Pfeil commented that amendment of the current special use standards concerning retail sales
in the Industrial District appears to be the best approach in regulating large-scale retail facilities.
Commissioner Viehman noted that this would mean some specific criteria that would allow for
circumstances such as this but preclude a situation such as Chairman Goldspiel is concerned
about.
Mr. Pfeil agreed.
Commissioner Samuels asked if a public hearing is required.
Mr. Pfeil stated a public hearing is required for two things. One is for the text amendment and the
other is to grant the special use.
Mr. Schwartz stated he would like to go to public hearing and also understands the request for a
traffic report. He stated they can provide a traffic report and give projected counts and can state
that they can sign Armstrong Drive and put people out to direct traffic. However, they cannot
signalize Hastings, the left turn out is the only one and cannot be remedied. He noted they
understand the issues but cannot change any of the numbers or configurations and therefore there
is nothing they can do.
Chairman Goldspiel stated he cannot see approving something of this magnitude and this much
of a change without having input from the traffic consultant.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-March 17, 1999-Page 10
Mr. Schwartz stated if they have to do a traffic report,they would still like to come back to a
public hearing instead of another workshop.
Commissioner Viehman stated he feels the traffic report will recite what is already known based
on circumstances already existing. However,he feels it is essential to support the premise of this
project and would be a positive gesture to make. This can be done at a public hearing.
Commissioner Trilling stated they are exceeding the ordinance relative to parking and from a
standpoint of traffic he can only hope there are lines to get in to this venture.
Commissioner Samuels stated this use is no more intensive a use from a traffic standpoint than
CDW was when they were operating fully.
Commissioner Trilling stated he does not know if a traffic study will tell him any more than he
knows right now. He also stated he does not know of any more positive changes that can occur
here and he feels this can go to public hearing.
Commissioner Berman stated he concurs that this can go to public hearing. He further stated that
any traffic study will only say that there will be a significant number of cars,but the roadway
will function within acceptable limits. He noted they will need to do some careful signage and
on peak days will probably need people assisting. He stated this a positive use of a dark space in
the Village.
Chairman Goldspiel stated going to a public hearing was fine with him but he would still like to
see a traffic report.
Mr. Pfeil stated there should be a better understanding of the traffic management plan. The
Village consultant can look at the traffic plan and this may be the most expedient way to
complete a fairly quick traffic impact analysis. It is also necessary to understand the proposed
offsite signage which is generally not allowed by the Village's sign code and therefore the
proposal for traffic management via signage must be clearly understood.
Mr. Schwartz asked if the suggestion is that they prepare a traffic management analysis to show
how they will sign and move traffic within the site and that the Village traffic engineer will look
at the site so that a private traffic engineering consult will not have to be used.
Mr. Pfeil stated that was his suggestion.
Mr. Schwartz stated that is acceptable to them.
Mr. Pfeil stated that if the traffic management plan is going to be premised on things like offsite
signage, the Commission needs to know about that. This does not mean the Plan Commission
approves same, but it is material as to how the whole thing will go through the regulatory process
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-March 17, 1999-Page 11
as quickly as possible.
Chairman Goldspiel noted that pedestrian management also needs to be pointed out clearly.
The Commission decided this matter should go to a public hearing.
VILLAGE ZONING MAP--ANNUAL REVIEW
Moved by Commissioner Berman, seconded by Commissioner Samuels to recommend approval
to the Village Board of the zoning map dated March 3, 1999.
Chairman Goldspiel called for a vote on the motion and the vote was as follows:
AYES: Samuels, Berman, Trilling, Viehman, Goldspiel
NAYES: None
ABSENT: Krug, Howard, Ottenheimer,Moons
ABSTAIN: None
The motion passed 5 to 0.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT-None
FUTURE AGENDA SCHEDULE
Mr. Pfeil asked if the Commission wanted to accommodate Zale developers for a special meeting
on March 24, 1999. The Commission did not wish to do so.
PUBLIC COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS -None
STAFF REPORT-None
NEW BUSINESS -None
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Commissioner Trilling, seconded by Commissioner Berman and carried unanimously
to adjourn. Chairman Goldspiel adjourned the meeting at 12:15 a.m.
Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-March 17, 1999-Page 12
Respect submitted,
Fay Rub' ,Reco i g Secretary
APPROVED BY:
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,LA )''
P EN GOLDSPIEL, Chairman
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Buffalo Grove Plan Commission-Regular Meeting-March 17, 1999-Page 13